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DVDS: YANG Style T'ai Chi
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If you've been practicing the Short Set for a while you might just want to try "the Big One". This is Terry Dunn's extremely clear and concise instruction on the MOST PRACTICED form of Tai Chi in the world, the Long Form developed by Yang Chen Fu. He is the CORE PRACTICE of Tai Chi. It will take a little more time to learn than the Short Set above but this TWO HOUR DVD takes you through this famous, and beautiful method of Tai Chi practice. |
It is probably no surprise to anyone that the Yang Family Tai Chi is not entirely contained within the one, famous form of Yang Chen Fu. Here is another claimant to the idea of various other forms within Yang Lu Chang's original system of at least eight forms. This one concentrates on "post-birth" movements where at least some strength is shown. Somewhat like a Xing Yi set, as many of the things dating to Yang's birthplace of Yong Nian, are; this form uses elbows, double punches, back bends and other movements not as common in the longer Solo Exercise. Is this truly one of the "original" versions of the form? Who can tell? Jiang's version here is straight forward and pedagogic if not inspired. 118 Minutes, English, click picture to enlarge |
The general structure of the form is similar to the Yang Chen Fu version but almost every move in itself is different though often just as a logical variation. The Golden Cock Stands on One Leg, for instance, becomes a kicking action. Brush Knee and Push becomes more of a chopping action. Yang Ban Hou’s (1837-1892) version is considered by some Tai Chi practitioners to be more of a fighting form. It is also said to be a smaller frame though this is not evident from this presentation. Ban Hou who was designated as the inheritor of the system had the unfortunate habit of using full force on his students and therefore had few of them. He also worked with Li RuiDong and helped to create the Li style originally called Seven Start Postures. He also taught Wu Quan You, the creator of the Wu style. There are those who think of the Ban Hou form as being not only better fighting material but also the basis of what became the Yang Chen Fu version. |
This is considered by some practitioners to be a remnant of Yang Lu Chan’s original yang style Tai Chi. This is essentially a power issuing form more than an esthetically appealing routine. Many moves are repeated on both sides with some hands either never appearing in the Long Form or performed here in a much abbreviated and therefore probably more functional form. From what we are able to tell this is an accurate though relatively straight forward and unelaborated version of this form. Background Note: Though it is a general medical and Taoist term, the Small Nine Heavens can refer to the nine big joints of the body (three on the legs, arms and spine) and sometimes is a prelude to mastering the Macrocosmic Orbit. Interesting enough a form that focuses on energy expulsion might also allow that by coordinating the "Small Nine Heavens." 121 Minutes, English |
This is said to represent one of the original forms of the Yang LuChan system of Tai Chi. This is a short to middling set of 29 postures. Jiang demonstrates each action from multiple angles and also gives basic combinations and applications for each section. Overall an interesting "short" Tai Chi form. 120
Minutes, English |
This system is said to come from Yang Lu Chan in Hebei. Yang taught the Wang family some of his secrets. Yang created a complete system with ten sub-sets, one of which is believed to be the ball practice. In 13 forms this DVD demonstrates the ball exercises of the Yang style. The medium sized form is shown fist and then broken down. The movements are large and clear and generally symmetrical. Jiang might demonstrate more Reeling SIlk in his torso but the actions of the form are clearly shown. The 13 posture idea replicates Tai Chi's original 13 postures. No applications are shown. NOTE: Ball practice can be amazingly useful. The order of the form is far less important than mastering torso and wrist control. 120 Minutes, English |
It is probably no surprise to anyone that the Yang Family Tai Chi is not entirely contained within the one, famous form of Yang Chen Fu. Here is another claimant to the idea of various other forms within Yang Lu Chang's original system of at least eight forms. This video teaches Yang Jian-Hou Tai Chi Thirteen Dan with 13 Animals and Birds Combination. Yang Jian-Hou was the son of Yang Lu-Chan, founder of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. 118 Minutes, English |
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